First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu says the Nation has a space for women in all spheres and they can occupy that space with their continued hard work and dedication.
She spoke when the management teams of the Nigeria Customs Service and the National Sports Commission and others paid her a visit at the State House Abuja.
The visit which was led by the Comptroller General of the NCS, Adewale Adeniyi was to honour her as the Grand Patron for the 2025 African Women’s Volleyball Championship, scheduled for April, this year.
The First Lady who expressed her appreciation noted that the Nation occupies the pride of place in the sporting world due to the relentless efforts of female athletes.
She urged Nigerian female athletes who have been making their mark to mentor and be role models to aspiring young girls with the encouragement and words of support.
She called on female star athletes from Nigeria based overseas to come back home and inspire young and aspiring girls in the country.
“Share not just your stories of successes and achievements but also your humble beginnings.
“I can see that out of the four DCGs here, three of you are women. And that tells me you have worked, worked, worked and worked. For you to be at the top, you must have worked hard. When you have been given a platform, it is not just about you. Go on and lift others, encourage them,” the First Lady said.
Senator Oluremi Tinubu, who according to her guests, is fast gaining reputation as a pillar of sports in Nigeria, particularly, where it involves women, explained that she is expected to carry yet another torch for women, this time as the Grand Patron for the 2025 African Women’s Club Volleyball Championship, to be hosted by Nigeria, with the Customs Service Female Volleyball Club flying the flag of the nation.
The Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, while presenting her with the offer, said the Service has taken particular notes of her support for female athletes and teams in the country, and will want her inspire the Nigerian team to victory at the championship.
“There is a popular saying that when a woman puts her hand to the plough, the earth itself will respond to her. All your initiatives and generosity are unparalleled and this is a great source of inspiration to us all,” the Customs boss said.
In his remarks, the Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olapade pointed out that the vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the support of the First Lady for Sports has brought in a new vista of life to participants in the sector especially the female gender.
According to the DG, the Nigerian Girl Child can now truly hold her head up high.
The First Lady was then presented with her kits as the Grand Patron of the 2025 Africa Female Volleyball Tournament.
Twenty three other African countries are expected to join the host, Nigeria, at the championship which runs between April 1 and 14.
